Vaca Que Cambia de Querencia

Juana Molina's song 'Vaca Que Cambia de Querencia' delves into the themes of uncertainty, change, and the emotional turmoil that accompanies transitions. The title itself, which translates to 'Cow That Changes Its Grazing Ground,' serves as a metaphor for the upheaval and disorientation that comes with leaving a familiar place or situation. This metaphor is deeply rooted in rural and pastoral imagery, evoking a sense of displacement and the challenge of adapting to new environments.

The lyrics express a profound sense of uncertainty about the future. Lines like 'Yo no sé qué será de mi ahora' ('I don't know what will become of me now') and 'Yo no sé qué será de tí' ('I don't know what will become of you') highlight the anxiety and ambiguity that come with change. The act of deciding what to take and what to leave behind, as well as the physical act of packing and traveling, symbolizes the emotional and psychological preparation required for such transitions.

Molina also touches on the fear of losing something precious, as seen in the line '¿qué será de mi jardín sin agua que lo riegue?' ('What will become of my garden without water to nourish it?'). This imagery suggests a fear of neglect and the potential loss of something that has been carefully nurtured. The repeated questioning of whether to return or move forward ('¿deberé o no volver?') encapsulates the internal conflict between the comfort of the known and the risk of the unknown. Ultimately, the song captures the essence of human vulnerability in the face of change and the courage required to embrace it.